Explore kids and teens parenting and learning questions from the Learnatist community. Ask for advice, share experiences, and find helpful answers about school, child development, learning support, teen life, mental health, and family education.
My 14-year-old is starting high school and we're trying to stop relying on last-minute texts. Sometimes my work runs late or an activity changes. What plan would you make before the first day so they …
My 17-year-old is interested in design one week, engineering the next, and says they don't know what any of the jobs are actually like. We're not trying to force a major decision this month. What smal…
My 16-year-old needs another attempt at a Regents exam and is already worried about fitting prep around junior year. They understood some topics much better than others. What would you ask a tutor so …
We're interested in a weekend Mandarin class for my 4-year-old. She likes copying songs, but the trial materials include quite a bit of tracing. I don't need fast progress. I want to understand what a…
My 16-year-old has done some SAT work over summer and keeps saying the ACT might suit them better. I can't tell if that's a sensible question or just wanting to escape practice. How would you compare …
My 10-year-old can talk confidently in English, but school words like compare, explain and justify trip him up. Some tutors I've contacted focus on conversation, others jump straight to essay writing.…
My 5-year-old keeps pulling at the collar of the school clothes we bought. I don't want the first morning to become a fight over getting dressed, and buying five more versions blindly sounds expensive…
My 10-year-old wants weekend outings but groans at the word walk. I'd like to try the Greenbelt this fall without turning it into a forced science lesson. What gives an older elementary kid something …
We're considering executive function coaching for my 12-year-old before seventh grade. The sales calls all sound good, but I don't want to pay someone to remind him about the same things I already do.…
My 14-year-old likes the idea of learning Muay Thai, mainly the movement and pad work. They don't want to get hit or pressured into competing. What wording would you use with a studio to find out whet…
My 12-year-old wants a cooking class this fall and is especially interested in making a whole meal. Some photos look like kids are just decorating things the adults made. What would you check about th…
My 5-year-old is starting kindergarten and we're sorting out pickup between two homes. The grown-ups know the plan, mostly, but I don't want our child standing there worried about who is coming. What …
My 9-year-old's summer tutor has been teaching quick ways to get answers. Last year's schoolwork used diagrams and explanations, and now my child says one way must be wrong. How do you get the adults …
My 14-year-old is starting high school and wants to continue cello. Between the backpack and instrument, the commute is looking awkward. Before we start dropping activities, what would you ask about s…
I'm filling out kindergarten forms and the photo permission seems very broad. I'm happy with a picture in a private class update, less happy with my 5-year-old on a public account. Has anyone found a …
My 6-year-old wants soccer and we're looking at outdoor options in Brooklyn. The class time fits, but I can't keep moving other plans whenever a session is canceled. What questions help you understand…
Our kindergarten paperwork includes speech support, but I don't have a name or a clear picture of how the week will work. I'm trying to get organized before September rather than discover something mi…
My 17-year-old is considering art-related college programs and wants feedback on a portfolio. I'd like a second pair of eyes, but not a service that basically directs every piece. How do parents tell …
We're choosing between tap and hip-hop for fall. My 7-year-old just wants to dance, but I'm seeing mentions of costumes, photos and rehearsals without many details. How do you find out the full commit…
My 9-year-old plays chess happily and wants to try a tournament in the fall. I'm not aiming for a trophy. I'm wondering about waiting around, finding the right room and what parents can actually help …